Hello D6,

This week I’ll bring you up to date on the establishment of a Senior Justice Assessment Center (SJAC) in our community.

First, I’ll explain what an SJAC is:

A Senior Justice Assessment Center is a specialized group of professionals who provide comprehensive evaluations and support services for elderly people who may be victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These centers are designed to offer a multidisciplinary approach to address the unique needs of seniors, involving professionals from law enforcement, social services, healthcare, and legal services.

Key functions of a Senior Justice Assessment Center include:

• Assessment and Evaluation: Conducting thorough assessments to identify signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Medical Examination: Providing medical evaluations to document injuries and ensure the health and safety of the senior.
• Legal Assistance: Offering legal support to help seniors understand their rights and navigate the legal system.
• Counseling and Support: Providing emotional and psychological support to help seniors cope with their experiences.
• Referrals and Resources: Connecting seniors with community resources, such as housing, financial assistance, and long-term care options.
• Collaboration: Working with law enforcement, Adult Protective Services, and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response.

The SJASC will protect seniors from harm, ensure justice, and improve their overall well-being by addressing their specific needs in a holistic manner.

This initiative has been ongoing for several months and is vital for safeguarding our elderly residents from abuse and exploitation by bridging existing gaps between organizations and providing comprehensive support for people over 65.

Recent statistics from Adult Protective Services highlight the urgency of this issue. Bexar County has seen a troubling increase in reported cases of elder abuse and exploitation, with 10,425 intakes in 2023 alone—the second highest in the state. Additionally, Bexar County's elderly population, at 13.3%, is the second largest by percentage in Texas. These vulnerable members of our community deserve better protection, and a dedicated program like SJAC would be a significant step in addressing this critical issue.

As our senior population continues to grow, so does the risk of elder abuse and exploitation. We must take proactive measures to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of our elderly residents. The SJAC program I’ve been working on with County and State specialists will be instrumental in closing the gaps between various organizations and services aimed at supporting the elderly.

My thanks go to Probate Court 2 Judge Veronica Vasquez, who has been guiding this initiative. This Center supports the Elder Abuse CCR (proposed ordinance) that I authored and will soon go for consideration by the full Council.

Thank you to the D6 team who spent Friday morning preparing the school supplies they'll be distributing at the Alamo Colleges and Edgewood ISD Back To School Fair at the Westside Education Training Center (WETC).

We’ll be there this Saturday, July 20, 610 SW 41st St, from 10 AM to 1 PM. We hope to see you there!

And don’t forget the District 6 Back To School Readiness Bash!

We’ll see you there!

Have a great week!

Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda

         SAPD Calls for Service - Last 7 Days

Click on the image for interactive map.

Council Meetings and Committees

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETINGS WEEK:

• Municipal Civil Service Commission Meeting
• Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
• Naming Committee of the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees
• Gilbert Garza Park - Public Input Meeting (2)
• Head Start Policy Council Meeting
• Ethics Review Board Meeting
• Planning Commission
• Roof Repair Application Assistance Event
• Transit Oriented Development Task Force
• Roof Repair Application Assistance Event

ACS Pet Of The Week

On Monday, Celia and Katrina’s world was turned upside down when they were found mourning their beloved pet parent.

They were brought to our shelter with heavy hearts and emotional wounds that are still healing. Despite their loss, these two sweet souls are now ready to find a new furever home where they can be loved and cherished once more.

Celia and Katrina share a beautiful bond and comfort each other through this tough time. They both adore treats and will sit politely in exchange for one (or two!). While they may be a bit “overhealthy”, a gradual exercise routine will help them regain their health and vitality.

If you have room in your heart and home for Celia and Katrina, please come meet them at our shelter. Let’s give them the second chance they so desperately need.

Will you be the one to heal their hearts and give them a new beginning?

Community Bulletin Board

FY 2025 BUDGET TOWN HALL

Wednesday, August 28

6:30 p.m.

Cuellar Community Center

5626 San Fernando St.

Storm drains are only for rain

Rain may be a rare occurrence these days, but when it does happen the San Antonio River and local creeks are inundated with debris and contaminants.

That's because trash from streets and parking lots or chemicals from driveways and landscapes is washed down storm drains and right into the nearest body of water.

It's called runoff — and it's a major source of pollution to the San Antonio River watershed.

You can help prevent pollutants and debris from entering our storm drains.

· Toss trash in garbage bins.

· Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly, within recommended amounts (and avoid using if rain is in the forecast).

· Pick up and dispose of pet waste.

· Use drip pans to catch engine oil and other pollutants when repairing automobiles and recycle them.

· Compost or mulch leaves and yard trimmings instead of sweeping them into the street.

· Direct downspouts and rain gutters away from paved surfaces.

The Bond Project will construct roadway improvements to include sidewalks, curbs, driveway approaches, drainage, bicycle facilities and other improvements as applicable and within available funding.  This is a multi-phased project. 

Click on the graphic above for more information.

Mental Health Matters!

The Teen Mental Health Survey, created by teens for teens ages 12-19 in San Antonio, is now live. By filling it out today, teens can help improve teen mental health in San Antonio!

Take the survey here: https://publicinput.com/v2030

Did you know that we have an interactive Apartment Inspections dashboard? Stay up to date on inspection activities for apartment units. For more info: https://app.powerbigov.us/view...

COSA Construction Resource Toolkit

As progress continues in our City so does construction.  I am reaching out to remind you that COSA has a Construction Resource Toolkit to help small businesses impacted by construction in their area.  This guide includes contacts, strategies, and other resources to help small businesses prepare and navigate the construction experience. This Toolkit is available digitally at the links listed below. 

• EDD Programs & Grants page
• Construction Resource Toolkit-ENGLISH
• Construction Resource Toolkit-SPANISH

The Texas Legislature recently enacted HB 114 requiring all school districts to implement mandatory disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) placement for students found in possession of, using, selling, giving, or delivering e-cigarettes or vaping devices on school grounds or at a school-related event.

This alternative school placement, required by law, is made regardless of whether the substance being vaped is a controlled substance or not.

We ask that you discuss this new state law with your child(ren).

Animal Care Services Extends Shelter Hours to Encourage Lifesaving

 San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) has expanded shelter hours to give would-be adopters, fosters, and rescue partners more opportunities to help pets in need. The municipal shelter will be open two additional hours, with adoptions and other services now available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Weekend hours remain unchanged, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The $25 special adoption rate continues through the end of July. This special rate applies to dog, cat, puppy, and kitten adoptions. 

Fosters Desperately Needed to Help Local Pets in Need

 San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) and local animal welfare partners have been flooded with pets in need, including dozens of puppies and kittens. Fosters are urgently needed to provide temporary care for pets as they become adoption ready. Foster applications are available via the following links:

• Animal Care Services at: www.saacs.info/foster
• San Antonio Pets Alive! at: www.sanantoniopetsalive.org/programs/foster
• Animal Defense League at: www.adltexas.org/foster-application/

Fosters will receive food and other supplies for their temporary pets including medical care and vaccinations. Interested residents should check with the program of their choice for additional resources. 

Always dispose of pesticides properly

Pesticides and herbicides can be a convenient way to protect plants from pests and weeds. But when used or discarded incorrectly, these chemicals pose great risks not only to our ecosystem and wildlife, but also to our water, soil, air and human health.

The best way to avoid the perils of pesticides and herbicides is to stop using them altogether. But if you must use them:

• Always carefully read the product label and follow the disposal instructions exactly.
• Only purchase what you need and use it until it’s gone to avoid leftovers.
• Never discard these items in your trash bin for regular collection.  
• Don’t ever pour them down sink drains, toilets or storm drains.

Pesticides and herbicides must be disposed properly at a household hazardous waste site. For a schedule of monthly drop-off events, visit sa.gov/swmd.

A higher-paying career is now within your reach. San Antonio’s unprecedented Ready to Work program offers tuition assistance for education and job training.

Career coaches are with you from start to finish to evaluate what you need now to get started, guide you through career planning and get you enrolled to begin your path to securing a quality, higher-paying job.

No other program offers more support to ensure participants reach success. If you are ready for a change, take advantage of this opportunity now.

There are three easy ways to learn more and apply:

      1. Online: Visit readytoworksa.com

      2. Phone: Call 3-1-1 and ask for Ready to Work

          3. In Person: Visit Alamo Colleges District, Project Quest, Restore Education or Workforce Solutions Alamo

Animal Care Services joins Daisy Cares to feed hungry pets in San Antonio 

Pet food donations sought as holidays near and needs increase   

The San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) team is joining Daisy Cares, a local non-profit, to host a holiday pet food drive that will help both organizations support pet parents in need by filling their pet pantries.    

Bags of dog and puppy food are especially needed in addition to other new or gently used pet items. All donations will be divided between the Daisy Cares pet food pantry and the SAACS Community Animal Support and Assistance (CASA) program, which uses a case management approach to assist pet parents in need with food, humane care support, and veterinary resources.   

Residents can bring pet food donations through the end of November to Animal Care Services during regular business hours. SAACS is located at 4710 State Highway 151 and is open on weekdays from 1 - 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends (except on City holidays). All donations are tax-deductible.

CPS energy has launched an updated webpage with information to help keep customers safe in the event of an outage: www.cpsenergy.com/prepare and in Spanish www.cpsenergy.com/preparar.

Customers are also encouraged to update their emergency contact information with CPS in case of an emergency.

For more information visit http://cpsenergy.com